Top Unrestricted Free Agent and Stanley Cup Champion Linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs could make a big play in free agency this summer by adding a huge name as a replacement for John Tavares.
With the Mitch Marner situation the biggest issue looming over the Maple Leafs' heads, there is another big contract coming up this summer, that being John Tavares' deal.
He's nowhere near the $11M player he's currently being paid for, and if he doesn't take a hometown discount then it's going to be really tough for Toronto to justify paying him so much with him entering the twilight of his career, and might try and get money elsewhere if that's what matters to him.
But according to NHL Analyst Paul Bissonnette (who isn't shy about letting his Maple Leafs fandom shine through), Toronto should instead take a look at the future free agents coming into the market, and perhaps go after a big fish; more specifically: Sam Bennett.
While it would be great for Toronto to make such a big splash, is adding Bennett over Tavares worth it?
Sam Bennett Massive Upgrade Over John Tavares But At What Cost?
Well, yes. It's hard to say that Tavares has been bad; it's the opposite. However, adding a player of Bennett's caliber, at only 28 would give them a Tavares-esque player on a Tavares-esque contract; a contract that will only get cheaper once the cap rises.
This season he has 41 points (20G, 21A) and has hit the 20-goal plateau three of the past four years. He also adds solid defense, more physicality, a bit more speed, and is the type of marquee player who isn't afraid to fight either.
He only makes $4.425M and his next contract will likely be in the $6.5-7M range. While it's a bit expensive to pay Tavares that much at age 35, or would you rather have that for a player in his prime years?
The cost however is taking away the fabric of the team, and the locker room leader. Tavares brings more than just on-ice production. He keeps morale high, he makes sure the younger players stay in check, and taking him out of the roster would arguably be a worse locker room hit than Mitch Marner.
But a three-headed monster of Auston Matthews, Sam Bennett, and new acquisition Scott Laughton would be a very, very good trio and give the Maple Leafs a very strong chance at another (hopefully) deep playoff push.
Sam Bennett isn't John Tavares, but he's certainly a darn good replacement.
